2019 has been a fantastic year for tasting wine – in this article I’ll look back and pick my favourite New Zealand wines of the year.
One proviso – I am going to OMIT any wines that are on the Fine Wines of New Zealand list. If you are not aware of this programme, please take a look at www.finewines.nz. I’ve spent the year seeking out as many of these wines that I can – to get acquainted with the best that NZ has to offer; and would hugely recommend anyone doing the same. If you want to find the very best, I cannot fault this list… so please view my TOP 10 as an “extras” package to this!
Lawson’s Dry Hills “The Pioneer” Pinot Noir 2013 This one of those wines that stopped me in my tracks. From their top range, it’s a big wine but also very elegant – something I’m increasingly looking for in a Pinot Noir. Sweet fruited but savoury, it’s a lovely balance of components.
Framingham F-series Old-Vine Riesling 2018 I know these guys are known for their Rieslings, and a tasting this year showed that there’s so much more to the label than that… but, wow – this wine has it all. Texture, ripeness, spice – really complex. And as you’d expect from the Framingham crew – a wine with personality.
Moi Wines Rosé 2018 A stunning discovery – from someone (me) who finds rosé a bit frivolous – this is not that. Sweet red berries – for sure, but musky, floral and textural… hang on – a serious rosé! Like a really good aromatic wine, with acidity and tautness plus a concentration not usual to rosé. Something magical here.
Esk Valley Winemakers Reserve Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2014 A wine that was a standout, from a tasting of Gimblett Gravels wines in winter this year. Opulently dense but filled with lush sweet fruit – just framed by some hefty tannins. Will undoubtedly keep for ages but it’s a generous wine now – find one and keep for a dark winter night.
Maude Chardonnay 2016 Another great discovery this year. Their Pinot Noir steals the limelight, but the Chardonnay will steal your heart. Fragrant, flinty minerality with bagfuls of spicy fruit and a nutty oak density. Hard to find, but fill your boots – sets the bar for the best Central Otago Chardonnay.
Terrace Edge Pinot Gris 2016 This one split the vote when produced at a tasting this year. Even a “WTF” moment from some! Although (to me, certainly) ‘only’ 14 grams RS, this proved “too sweet” for many. For me, again, this IS the sweet spot. Honeysuckle, hugely ripe yellow stonefruits with deep creamy texture. Opulent. A great example of the varietal.
Pegasus Bay Finale 2011 To rival even a great Sauternes. This is NZ winemaking at its best. Taking advantage of climatic conditions is one thing, but to tame that and concoct a wine of such beauty and depth is rather clever. Nougat, honeycomb with baked peach and sugared almonds, but a linear acidity and a salinity lie in layers of wonderful flavour.
Bald Hills Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015 In the melee of a big public showcase tasting, it takes a special wine to grab you at the first sip. I followed this wine up, and tried it again twice – I liked it more each time! Lovely savoury wine – leather, tar and smoke, mixed with sweet red cherry and spicy damson. A real Central Otago icon (and multiple award winner to boot).
Giesen Single Vineyard Clayvin Pinot Noir 2015 At the NZIWS Awards in November and tastings after, this was a sought-after choice. Well-known and regarded, it still packs a punch and sets standards for Marlborough Pinot Noir. Dense and concentrated, with a fine tannic line through some bright acidity. Berry and cherry and a hint of savoury herbs. Great wine, ace vintage.
Saint Clair ‘James Sinclair’ Chardonnay 2018 Came on my radar after some stunning releases from Saint Clair this year – winning Gold after Gold medals. This is great value, and made in the modern style – some solids adding texture and flintiness, and plenty of MLF creaminess. Tropical fruit and crisp acidity interplay amongst the spicy oak influences, and all this fun comes in under $20.
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